Hester, creature of my love, br What is this? You love not me? br On the stair you stand above, br Looking down distrustfully br With the corners of your eyes br Watching me in mute surprise, br Me, your father, only me. br br Hester, why this foolish terror, br You who know me and my ways? br Was my love so writ in error br That it needed your disgrace? br Is your doubt of locks grown thin br Or the beard which hides his chin br His, your father's chin and face? br br Hester, we were fools of passion br When our last goodbyes were smiled. br Now you stand in your strange fashion br By my kisses unbeguiled, br With your light foot turned to flee br While I press you to my knee, br You, my child, my only child. br br Listen, Hester, I am able br Still to flatter and be fond: br You the wise crow of the fable br Perched above me and beyond. br Foolish! Not one word you speak br To my praises of your cheek, br Not one sound, one only sound! br br Be it so. My love you mock it, br And my sighs are empty wind. br See, I shut my heart and lock it br From your laughing eyes unkind. br Yet, remember this last word, br Love is two--edged like a sword.